Chicago Wilderness: Where I Find Inspiration

Public Speaking Program

As a nature and wildlife photographer, Mike MacDonald's work celebrates the sublime natural beauty that exists right under our noses-in an area known as Chicago Wilderness. Locally, Mike's work has been published, literally from cover to cover, in Chicago Wilderness Magazine and, nationally, on several occasions in Outdoor Photographer Magazine. Here is a brief description of the program:

Countless wildflowers float above the prairie like musical notes in a symphony of color and texture. A black-crowned night heron, with eyes of red, hunts among the reeds. Melted pools of orange water on a frozen slough reflect a wintry sunset, as a lone coyote plots his course across the purple ice.

In this program, professional nature photographer Mike MacDonald takes you on a virtual journey t hat celebrates the beauty and drama of the paradise known as "Chicago Wilderness."

Mike's presentation includes more than 100 digitally projected images that are designed to give the viewer a sense of place. People have said that Mike's landscape images allow them to virtually "walk into the scene." Calling the photographs stunning would not be mere hyperbole, as many in the audience may find themselves stunned by not only the beauty, but the vastness of the scenes.

Over 18 locations are featured, ranging from Westchester's Wolf Road Prairie to Zion's Illinois Beach State Park, Lockport Prairie to Elgin's Bluff Spring, Spears Woods in Willow Springs to the Indiana Dunes.

Mike been performing professional comedy and improvisation for over 20 years, so don't expect him to be reading a script or speaking in a calm English accent like in a PBS nature program. His show is fun, quick-paced, and lively. Mike talks about the various locations and why they're special to him. He also tells stories of his time in the wilds of Chicago. Because Mike experiences these places as a photographer, it's natural to bring up the photography from time to time. However, it's never technical.

The presentation lasts about an hour, after which time Mike encourages questions from the audience. The more, the merrier, as he appreciates spontaneous and lively interaction. This program will easily appeal to nature lovers and, of course, shutterbugs. But honestly, most anyone would appreciate a program celebrating the beauty in our own backyard. And, if you appreciate the nature programs on PBS, this presentation is for you-well, unless you require an English accent.

If you're interested in incorporating The Heart of Nature^TM into your organization's programming schedule, please call us at 630-852-8448.

Quotes from previous performances...

"Everyone really enjoyed the experience. Very entertaining. Fantastic program!"

—Woodridge Public Library and excerpts from their patrons

"The Heart of Nature was truly inspiring! (It was) a stirring-almost religious-experience."